Daniel Acusar

EH304
Statutory Construction

1) Literal Rule
Also known as the plain meaning rule, is the first rule of statutory interpretation employed by
judges. It is the taking of the words of the law at first glance, using the exact and literal (hence
the name) meaning of the law without any use of construction.
2) Purpose Rule
A rule in statutory interpretation where the judge interprets the rule in light of its apparent
purpose for enactment.
3) Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is the rule in statutory interpretation that allows judges to deviate from the
literal text of the law when said text would create absurd results.
4) Mischief Rule
The mischief rule in statutory interpretation is the rule used to determine what mischief and
defect is seen as to which the statute was enacted to mend. It focuses on the wrong that the
statute was enacted to make right in the time it was promulgated.
5) Doctrine of Desuetude
Is the doctrine that causes statutes, similar legislation or legal principles to lapse and become
unenforceable by a long habit of non-enforcement or lapse of time. It is what happens to laws
that are not repealed when they become obsolete.